Written Answers Thursday 22 July 2010

Scottish Executive

Construction Industry

Marilyn Livingstone (Kirkcaldy) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to secure adequate training facilities throughout Scotland in order to link procurement to training in the construction industry.

Keith Brown: In the context of our Economic Recovery plan, we are supporting construction by continuing to invest in infrastructure, social housing and skills and training. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the Scottish Construction Forum, Construction Skills, Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council to identify the most sustainable approaches to maintaining a training facility infrastructure which meets the needs of the construction industry.

Education

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary pupils were excluded for being in possession of a weapon at school in the academic year 2008-09.

Keith Brown: The specific information requested is not available. However, in 2008-09, 255 primary and 370 secondary pupils were excluded for either "physical assault using weapon" or "threat of physical violence using weapon or improvised weapon".

Education

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary pupils were excluded for being in possession of alcohol at school in the academic year 2008-09.

Keith Brown MSP: The specific information requested is not available. However, in 2008-09, 8 primary and 236 secondary school pupils were excluded for "substance misuse – alcohol".

Education

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary pupils were excluded for being in possession of illegal drugs at school in the academic year 2008-09.

Keith Brown: The specific information requested is not available. However, in 2008-09, 5 primary and 293 secondary school pupils were excluded for "substance misuse – not alcohol".

Education

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary; and (b) secondary pupils were excluded for (a) bullying and (b) homophobic bullying in the academic year 2008-09.

Keith Brown: The specific information requested is not available. However, in 2008-09, a total of 4 pupils (from primary, secondary and special schools) were excluded for ‘sustained peer exclusion for the purpose of causing significant distress’. None of these pupils had a homophobic motivation recorded.

First Minister

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive who provided the catering at the dinner for His Royal Highness, the Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, hosted by the First Minister during the Gathering 2009; whether the bill has been paid, and, if so, by whom.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 51388).

Further Education

Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with James Watt College following the announcement of a shortfall in bursary payments to students.

Keith Brown: Ministers have been briefed by the College on this issue but have not otherwise been involved in direct discussions.

Further Education

Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to providing financial assistance to James Watt College to meet the shortfall in bursary payments to students.

Keith Brown: Funding of individual colleges is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council and not Ministers. I understand that a resolution of the matter which the Member raises has now been achieved.

Health

Helen Eadie (Dunfermline East) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of variations in the provision of care for people with rheumatoid arthritis across (a) clinical care teams, (b) hospitals and (c) NHS boards.

Shona Robison: In December 2008, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) published its report on a Clinical Audit of Care in Rheumatoid Arthritis (CARA), which was undertaken to help implement key recommendations in Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) Guideline 48, and to identify any significant variations in the provision of care between individual clinical care teams, hospitals or NHS Boards.

  The audit identified important challenges in the delivery of high quality health care of patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis relating to delays in access to specialist medical and Allied Health Professional care and drug therapy and to developing patient-centred outcomes. It made recommendations for further audit, and these are being taken forward by the Scottish Society for Rheumatology’s web-based audit programme, supported by NHS QIS.

  Both the audit and the revised Guideline on RA are intended to help address variations in provision of care across Scotland.

Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been achieved to reduce the rate of increase in the proportion of children with a body mass index outwith a healthy range.

Shona Robison: The National Performance Indicator for child healthy weight and progress so far can be found on the Scotland Performs web pages:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/scotPerforms/indicators/childrensBMI (the national indicator relates to children aged 2-15).

  Progress is being made to reduce the rate of increase in the proportion of children with a body mass index outwith a healthy range with figures showing a drop from 1.7% per annum between 1998 and 2003 to 0.8% per annum between 2003 and 2008.

Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to control exposure to, demand for and consumption of excessive quantities of high calorie foods and drinks as outlined in Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Scotland: A Route Map Towards Healthy Weight.

Shona Robison: The Route Map is a long term strategy spanning 20 years. Our current priority is to develop an action plan and identify key milestones to support delivery of the Route Map. A report of progress will be published in 2013.

  In the meantime, we are committed to improving the nation’s diet through work with a range of stakeholders. For example, with retailers through the Scottish Grocers’ Federation Healthy Living Programme, caterers through the Healthyliving Award, consumers through our ‘Take Life On’ campaign, third sector groups through Community Food and Health (Scotland) and with the education sector through our implementation of the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007.

Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase energy expenditure as outlined in Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Scotland: A Route Map Towards Healthy Weight.

Shona Robison: The Route Map is a long term strategy spanning 20 years. Our current priority is to develop an action plan and identify key milestones to support delivery of the Route Map. A report of progress will be published in 2013.

  In the meantime we are making progress in a number of areas to increase energy expenditure. For example, in June 2010 we published the first ever Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS), which outlines an overarching vision for a 10% modal share for cycling by 2020. It also sets out the Government’s commitments to deliver the 17 actions and outcomes in the document and to work in partnership with key delivery agencies in delivering the outcomes. We will continue working on projects that increase road safety for cyclists, identify opportunities to include active travel into planning guidance and develop a robust delivery mechanism for cycle training in primary schools across the country.

  We are currently also working on a refresh of the National Transport Strategy which will be consulted on shortly. That refresh recognises the need to develop and promote the links between more active forms of travel and health generally.

  We have also launched Active Nation which aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to become more physically active in the run up to the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and beyond.

Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards achieved the HEAT target to tackle overweight and obesity in children.

Shona Robison: The target on child healthy weight interventions is not due for delivery until March 2011.

Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the results of its monitoring of whether national standards for crisis services have been implemented to ensure that the services provided meet local demand, as recommended in the Audit Scotland report, Overview of Mental Health Services.

Shona Robison: Although the Audit Scotland report does not specifically recommend that the Scottish Government publish these results, we will be undertaking additional work in 2011 in assessing and disseminating information on Boards’ implementation of the National Standards.

  Implementation of the National Standards is currently monitored and evaluated as part of the Scottish Government’s performance management of NHS Boards; and is complemented by the work of the Mental Health Collaborative in continuing to track the activity of Boards in reducing readmissions in line with the former readmissions HEAT target.

  Ongoing work of the Mental Health Benchmarking Project includes action on developing the collection of data on the availability of crisis and out of hours services. This data will enable Boards and others to compare and measure service provision in this area.

Health

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for drawing up the plans to develop specific protocols and care plans for the 13 disease areas associated with the Chronic Medication Service; what consultations are being conducted with patient groups such as Asthma UK Scotland, and when the protocols and plans will be published.

Shona Robison: The protocol to be used in association with serial prescriptions will be generic. Scottish Government Medical and Pharmaceutical Officers are currently considering the development of the generic protocol. This group will also consider any disease specific aspects, in consultation with experts in the field – including patient groups.

Health

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken or will take to eliminate industrial trans fats from food provided by the NHS and items on sale in NHS premises or in premises leased to others by the NHS.

Shona Robison: While the Scottish government has no current plans to ban trans fats in hospital food, we do recognise it is vitally important that when people are in hospital their nutritional needs are a priority and a balanced diet is tailored to assist each person’s recovery. Over 95% of NHS hospital canteens now have the Healthyliving Award which helps food outlets prepare and promote the sale of healthier food options to staff, visitors and patients.

  We are committed to working jointly with industry and retailers to make healthy choices easier for everyone. The food industry has successfully taken voluntary steps to reformulate many products and as a result the average intake of trans fats has been significantly reduced. However, we will keep our position under close review, actively monitoring outputs of ongoing work and new research, in Scotland, the UK and internationally.

Health

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the call from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for a ban on industrial trans fats, what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the Food Standards Agency regarding ensuring the elimination of such trans fats from take-away food outlets in Scotland.

Shona Robison: The Scottish Government has consulted with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) Scotland. FSA Scotland advise that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that take-away food outlets serve food with a disproportionately high trans fat content.

  We will continue to keep trans fats levels under close review, actively monitoring outputs of ongoing work and new research in Scotland, the UK and internationally, and will support action to protect consumer health that is evidence based.

Justice

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17154 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 November 2008, what additional information it has on how much money recovered from convicted criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been spent in the Lothians region, broken down by (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) project.

Kenny MacAskill: Monies recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 are distributed through the CashBack for Communities programme, which includes a range of partnerships with Scottish sporting, arts and business associations to provide diversionary activities for young people in Scottish communities.

  CashBack funding has been granted to the Scottish Football Association (£2.5m), the Scottish Rugby Union (£1.4m), Scottish Sports Futures and BasketballScotland (£1.7m), the Sports Facilities Fund (£2m), Youthlink Scotland (£4m), Scottish Screen and the Scottish Arts Council for the Creative Identities Initiative (£1.2m). All recorded spending is done by Local Authority rather than parliamentary constituency.

  Football activities in the Lothians include Street Football, Midnight Leagues, Soccer 1 and 2 and a School of Football for the South East region based in Dalkeith at Newbattle High School. Funding for Street football and Midnight leagues in each area is £28,000 for Edinburgh City, £25,600 in East Lothian, £28,200 in Midlothian and £26,600 in West Lothian during 2008-10. Total funding for Soccer One was £21,737 in Edinburgh City, £7,050 in East Lothian, £7,050 in Midlothian and £3,525 in West Lothian in 2008-09. The School of Football received £18,200 in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

  The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) in 2008-09 delivered free rugby sessions, street rugby and coaching programmes to primary and secondary young people in the Lothian’s. £60,000 was invested in 20 staff posts and equipment for all areas to deliver. In 2009-10 £64,000 was invested again for staff and equipment in the Lothian’s.

  Scottish Sports Futures is delivering basketball activities in Edinburgh through their programme of Twilight Basketball and Jump2It. Over the past two years £155,945.22 has been spent on both Twilight Basketball and Jump2It in the Lothians.

  The Sports Facilities fund was split over 26 projects throughout Scotland. Five projects were awarded a combined £463,083 throughout the Lothians. £250,000 to two projects in West Lothian, £100,00 for one project in East Lothian, £63,083 for one project in Midlothian and £50,000 for one project in Edinburgh City.

  Youthlink Scotland have distributed £4m of CashBack funding, it is allocated by local authority rather than parliamentary constituency. The breakdown of spending in the Lothians regions for successful applicants is as follows; East Lothian £49,983, Edinburgh £291,185, Midlothian £48,437 and West Lothian £68,766.00

  A further £2.5 million funding scheme for Youthlink Round 4 was announced on 15 July 2010. The funding will be distributed throughout Scotland to successful applicants over two years. There will be three phases of applications for this strand of Youthlink, the first phase will close 27 August 2010, the second phase on the 28 January 2011 and the third phase on the 16 of September 2011.

  In the last few months three new national projects have been launched; the Multisport project funding of £1.5m, £500k to YouthScotland to administer a grant project for uniformed and small organisations, and £1.6 million allocated to the Personal Social Development project.

Justice

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been spent in (a) East Ayrshire (b) South Ayrshire and (c) the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley Scottish parliamentary constituency.

Kenny MacAskill: Monies recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 are distributed through the CashBack for Communities programme, which includes a range of partnerships with Scottish sporting, arts and business associations to provide diversionary activities for young people in Scottish communities.

  CashBack funding has been granted to the Scottish Football Association (£2.5m), the Scottish Rugby Union (£1.4m), Scottish Sports Futures and BasketballScotland (£1.7m), the Sports Facilities Fund (£2m), Youthlink Scotland (£4), Scottish Screen and the Scottish Arts Council for the Creative Identities Initiative (£1.2m). All recorded spending is done by Local Authority rather than parliamentary constituency.

  Football activities in South and East Ayrshire include Street Football, Midnight Leagues, Soccer 1 and 2 and a School of Football for the South West region based in Cumnock at Cumnock Academy. Funding for Street football and Midnight leagues in Ayrshire was £27,400 for East Ayrshire and, £27,400 in South Ayrshire during 2008-10. Total funding for Soccer One was £7,050 in East Ayrshire and £7,637.50 in South Ayrshire in 2008-09. The School of Football received £18,200 in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

  The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) in 2008-09 delivered free rugby sessions, street rugby and coaching programmes to primary and secondary young people in Ayrshire. £13,000 was invested in equipment and resources in East and South Ayrshire to help deliver the programmes. In 2009-10 £18,000 was invested again for equipment and resources for the programmes as well as a contribution for two development officers in East and South Ayrshire. The street rugby programme is now being expanded with the help of the development officers to include a pilot school of rugby in Cummnock Academy and Grange Academy (Kilmarnock).

  Scottish Sports Futures is delivering basketball activities in East Ayrshire through their recently-expanded Jump2It programme. £10,000 has been spent in East Ayrshire. Basketball Scotland fund the West Regional Basketball Co-ordinator who operates in Ayrshire entirely through CashBack. £1100 was recently spent to include Ayrshire basketball teams in U14 competition and support the newly formed club develop a youth section.

  The Sports Facilities fund was split over 26 projects throughout Scotland. The Caledonian Youth Club in South Ayrshire received £53,000 for construction of synthetic 5 a side pitch with portable goals and nets.

  Scottish Arts Council through Creative Identities have spent £15,661.80 in South Ayrshire and £16,950 in East Ayrshire on a variety of projects from open access workshops to multi-media projects.

  Youthlink Scotland have distributed £4m of CashBack funding so far. In East Ayrshire 11 projects have been awarded £79,083.05 and 18 projects in South Ayrshire have been awarded £80,014.61 over the first 3 rounds of Youthlink funding.

  A further £2.5 million funding scheme for Youthlink Round 4 was announced on the 15 July 2010. The funding will be distributed throughout Scotland to successful applicants over two years. There will be three phases of applications for this strand of Youthlink, the first phase will close 27 August 2010, the second phase on the 28 January 2011 and the third phase on the 16 of September 2011.

  In the last few months three new national projects have been launched; the Multisport project funding of £1.5m, £500k to YouthScotland to administer a grant project for uniformed and small organisations, and £1.6 million allocated to the Personal Social Development project.

Mental Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how each NHS board performed in managing mental health services by using benchmarking to understand and compare services and their outcomes in order to promote best practice, as recommended in Mental Health Project Final Report: National Benchmarking Project.

Shona Robison: As a result of the work of the Mental Health Benchmarking Project, in August National Services Scotland will publish a toolkit to enable NHS Boards and others to interpret benchmarking data in informing the design, planning and management of local services; and to enable the comparison of service designs and outcomes.

Mental Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in providing counselling support for children and young people as set out in its 2005 report, The Mental Health of Children and Young People: A Framework for Promotion, Prevention and Care.

Shona Robison: Significant progress in implementing this part of the Framework by 2015 is being supported by the Scottish Government’s investment of £6.5 million over the next 3 years to increase the number of psychologists working in specialist CAMHS; and is complemented by an additional £2 million per year – matched by NHS Boards – to enhance intensive community mental health services for this age group.

  In addition, statutory and voluntary partners are working to provide resources, support and advice to enable all of those working with children and young people - in all settings - to promote good mental health and wellbeing and provide counselling support. Examples of partnership activity which is helping to build the capacity of the whole childrens’ workforce include the Playfield Institute, set up by NHS Fife; and the HandsOnScotland toolkit, developed by Barnardo’s, HeadsUpScotland and others.

  Monitoring progress in this area is a key part of the Scottish Government’s performance management of NHS Boards.

Mental Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS boards provide psychology services for older people, including a crisis service.

Shona Robison: NHS Boards are responsible for providing psychology and crisis services for all age groups, and for having the right number and mix of qualified staff and configuration of services to meet local need in these areas.

  A draft report on Applied Psychology and Psychology in the NHS in Scotland was circulated to Boards in December and discussed with NHS Chief Executives in April. The report identified key challenges and opportunities in the provision of psychology services for older people. The report’s working group will reconvene shortly to produce a final version of the report.

  National Standards and the Crisis Toolkit have been published in recent years, and implementation of the Standards is monitored as part of the Scottish Government’s performance management of Boards. In addition, the Mental Health Benchmarking Project includes action on developing the collection of data on the availability of crisis services, which will enable Boards and others to compare and measure service provision.

Mental Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether all recommendations in the publication, Remember I’m Still Me, published jointly by the Mental Welfare Commission and the Care Commission have now been implemented.

Shona Robison: Remember I’m Still Me ’s findings and recommendations – the latter aimed at the Scottish Government and other key partners - helped inform development of Scotland’s first National Dementia Strategy, published in June.

  As part of implementing the Strategy over the next 3 years, we are working with partners to address the recommendations in Remember I’m Still Me.

Ministerial Travel

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what official journeys have been undertaken using public transport in 2010 by (a) the First Minster and (b) each cabinet secretary.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 51387).

Ministerial Visits

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) date and (b) location was of each junior ministerial visit to the Perth parliamentary constituency in (i) February 2009, (ii) March 2009, (iii) April 2009, (iv) May 2009, (v) June 2009, (vi) July 2009, (vii) August 2009, (viii) September 2009, (ix) October 2009, (x) November 2009, (xi) December 2009, (xii) January 2010, (xiii) February 2010, (xiv) March 2010, (xv) April 2010 and (xvi) May 2010.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. Number 51388).

Ministerial Visits

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) date and (b) location was of each junior ministerial visit to the Stirling parliamentary constituency in (i) February 2009, (ii) March 2009, (iii) April 2009, (iv) May 2009, (v) June 2009, (vi) July 2009, (vii) August 2009, (viii) September 2009, (ix) October 2009, (x) November 2009, (xi) December 2009, (xii) January 2010, (xiii) February 2010, (xiv) March 2010, (xv) April 2010 and (xvi) May 2010.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 51388).

Ministerial Visits

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) date and (b) location was of each junior ministerial visit to the Ochil parliamentary constituency in (i) February 2009, (ii) March 2009, (iii) April 2009, (iv) May 2009, (v) June 2009, (vi) July 2009, (vii) August 2009, (viii) September 2009, (ix) October 2009, (x) November 2009, (xi) December 2009, (xii) January 2010, (xiii) February 2010, (xiv) March 2010, (xv) April 2010 and (xvi) May 2010.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 51388).

Ministerial Visits

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) date and (b) location was of each junior ministerial visit to the North Tayside parliamentary constituency in (i) February 2009, (ii) March 2009, (iii) April 2009, (iv) May 2009, (v) June 2009, (vi) July 2009, (vii) August 2009, (viii) September 2009, (ix) October 2009, (x) November 2009, (xi) December 2009, (xii) January 2010, (xiii) February 2010, (xiv) March 2010, (xv) April 2010 and (xvi) May 2010.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 51388).

Ministerial Visits

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) date and (b) location was of each junior ministerial visit to the North East Fife parliamentary constituency in (i) February 2009, (ii) March 2009, (iii) April 2009, (iv) May 2009, (v) June 2009, (vi) July 2009, (vii) August 2009, (viii) September 2009, (ix) October 2009, (x) November 2009, (xi) December 2009, (xii) January 2010, (xiii) February 2010, (xiv) March 2010, (xv) April 2010 and (xvi) May 2010.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 51388).

Ministerial Visits

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) date and (b) location was of each junior ministerial visit to the Kirkcaldy parliamentary constituency in (i) February 2009, (ii) March 2009, (iii) April 2009, (iv) May 2009, (v) June 2009, (vi) July 2009, (vii) August 2009, (viii) September 2009, (ix) October 2009, (x) November 2009, (xi) December 2009, (xii) January 2010, (xiii) February 2010, (xiv) March 2010, (xv) April 2010 and (xvi) May 2010.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (Bib. number 51388).

Ministerial Visits

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) date and (b) location was of each junior ministerial visit to the Dunfermline West parliamentary constituency in (i) February 2009, (ii) March 2009, (iii) April 2009, (iv) May 2009, (v) June 2009, (vi) July 2009, (vii) August 2009, (viii) September 2009, (ix) October 2009, (x) November 2009, (xi) December 2009, (xii) January 2010, (xiii) February 2010, (xiv) March 2010, (xv) April 2010 and (xvi) May 2010.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 51388).

Ministerial Visits

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) date and (b) location was of each junior ministerial visit to the Dunfermline East parliamentary constituency in (i) February 2009, (ii) March 2009, (iii) April 2009, (iv) May 2009, (v) June 2009, (vi) July 2009, (vii) August 2009, (viii) September 2009, (ix) October 2009, (x) November 2009, (xi) December 2009, (xii) January 2010, (xiii) February 2010, (xiv) March 2010, (xv) April 2010 and (xvi) May 2010.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (Bib. number 51388).

Ministerial Visits

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) date and (b) location was of each junior ministerial visit to the Central Fife parliamentary constituency in (i) February 2009, (ii) March 2009, (iii) April 2009, (iv) May 2009, (v) June 2009, (vi) July 2009, (vii) August 2009, (viii) September 2009, (ix) October 2009, (x) November 2009, (xi) December 2009, (xii) January 2010, (xiii) February 2010, (xiv) March 2010, (xv) April 2010 and (xvi) May 2010.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 51388).

Ministerial Visits

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there were or have been ministerial visits to the Cromarty Firth Port Authority in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, (c) 2009 and (d) 2010 and, if not, whether any such visits are planned before the end of the current parliamentary session.

John Swinney: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as this is available. A copy of the response will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 51386).

National Health Service

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has had from dispensing GP practices in Ayrshire regarding the control of arrangements required to set up NHS pharmaceutical services

Shona Robison: We have had a variety of representations from dispensing GP practices in NHS Ayrshire and Arran with regard to the control of entry arrangements. Most recently, we have received a number of responses to our Review of the Control of Entry Arrangements consultation exercise, which ended in June 2010. Details can be found on the Scottish Government website at:

  www.scotland.gov.uk/318195.

National Health Service

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussion it has had with rural organisations and community groups in Ayrshire regarding dispensing GP practices and the long-term viability of GP practices in rural areas.

Shona Robison: We have had a variety of representations from dispensing GP practices, rural organisations and community groups in NHS Ayrshire and Arran with regard to the control of entry arrangements. Most recently, we have received a number of responses to our Review of the Control of Entry Arrangements consultation exercise, which ended in June 2010. Details can be found on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/318195 .

National Health Service

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many pharmacists have been trained to deliver the Chronic Medication Service.

Shona Robison: All community pharmacists have received implementation training resources from NES Pharmacy and IT training from their pharmacy IT System Supplier.

National Health Service

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what the uptake has been of the Chronic Medication Service, broken down by disease.

Shona Robison: On 12 July 2010 there were 561 patients with long term conditions registered for the Chronic Medication Service. The information held centrally is not broken down by disease.

National Health Service

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the BMA Junior Doctors Committee’s BMA survey of junior doctors’ working arrangements 2010, which reported respondents’ concerns that the increased frequency of shift handovers and an associated increase in the number of doctors involved in a patient’s treatment was sometimes detrimental to the patient’s quality of care and overall experience.

Shona Robison: The NHS in Scotland has invested significantly in new ways of working to support the reduction in hours for doctors in training which has come as part of the implementation of the New Deal Contract and Working Time Regulations. Hospital at Night (H@N) has become the main focus of this, with investment in a multidisciplinary team working in the out of hours period providing care to the majority of inpatients within the hospital.

  Safe and effective handover is key to ensuring the success of H@N and shift working, the safety of patients and the quality of care received. As such, NHS Boards have reviewed handover procedures to ensure they are as safe and effective as possible, and some have invested in new technologies such as a the Salisbury Handover Tool to aid this. The Scottish Government has made all NHS boards aware of this tool, and of any good practice across the country.

  There is a significant amount of evidence which supports H@N as a safe and sustainable clinical model, and it is shown to improve the overall patient experience, improve clinical outcomes and reduce overall length of stay. Such is the success of H@N within NHS Scotland (and across the UK), it is now being extended to cover the daytime periods in a large number of areas across the country. More information on H@N can be found at:

  http://www.healthcareworkforce.nhs.uk/hospitalatnightand247/

  Training grade doctors are also complimentary of the H@N environment, stating that they feel supported within the team, with the necessary clinical support available at all times. There is again documented and published evidence (by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) to show that H@N helps doctors in training achieve curriculum competencies at foundation year level.

National Health Service

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that shift working, particularly shifts arising from the implementation of the European working time directive, and the implementation of hospital at night schemes are not deleterious to patient safety and junior doctors’ health.

Shona Robison: Both patient safety and staff welfare are critical issues for health boards and they are constantly seeking to improve both. All rotas are designed to meet the minimum contractual and legal guidelines around hours of work, rest and breaks which ensure that doctors are not over tired or unsafe to work. Our WTR Adviser also works with NHS Boards to review working patterns, ensuring that any pattern implemented meets the minimum standards required.

  The implementation of H@N has helped reduce the amount of out of hours work done by doctors in training, particularly during the night, with some posts now being required to work night shift one week in every six months. Previous to implementation of H@N, all specialty areas provided individual cover, which meant that night working was significantly higher in a large number of specialties than it is now. This reduction in night work means more time can be spent working in daytime hours.

  The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland have implemented where possible the BMA’s recommendations around splitting night shift working from a "week of nights" to two individual periods of "four nights on and three nights on" with extended periods of rest after each.

  The Scottish Government is also pursuing a policy of reshaping the medical workforce by moving to a health service predominantly delivered by trained doctors and to reduce the reliance on doctors in training for front-line service delivery. A trained doctor delivered service will ensure better health and higher quality healthcare services for patients resulting in improved patient outcomes and clinical safety. It also supports the continued development of excellence in medicine by giving us the opportunity to enhance the capacity of NHSScotland as a trained doctor’s capacity to deliver is far greater than a doctor in training.

  These developments ensure that the welfare of doctors and the safety of patients is always a priority for NHSScotland boards.

Prison Service

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what successful outcomes have been achieved in treating the estimated 70% of prisoners identified as having a mental health problem.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  The SPS does not record specific outcome measures on the individual treatment of prisoners with mental health problems. The SPS seeks to deliver against the "National Offender Outcomes", of which Offender Outcome 1 relates to the mental health and wellbeing of prisoners.

Prison Service

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what average monthly number of prisoners engaged with learning centres in prison in 2009-10.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked John Ewing, the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  The average monthly number of prisoners engaged with learning centres in prison in 2009-10 broken down by prison is as follows:

  

Prison
Average Monthly Number of Individual Prisoners who Engaged with Learning Centres in Prison in 2009-10


Aberdeen
85


Addiewell
98


Barlinnie
266


Cornton Vale
160


Dumfries
76


Edinburgh
278


Glenochil
180


Greenock
304


Inverness
105


Kilmarnock
65


Open Estate
127


Perth
232


Peterhead
123


Polmont
346


Shotts
206


Average number of individual prisoners attending prison learning centres in 2009-10
2,651

Prison Service

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what work programmes are available to offenders serving custodial sentences, broken down by prison.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  A wide range of work opportunities are available across the prison estate, these vary through time as Governors are constantly looking for new opportunities. The attached list provides a snapshot of the opportunities available.

  HMP Aberdeen: Laundry, Industrial Cleaning, Catering, "Internal service" jobs

  HMP Addiewell: ‘Connexions’ worker, Visits Canteen, Catering, Industrial Cleaning, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP Barlinnie: Vocational Training (VT) Joiners, VT Bricklaying, VT Roofing, VT Plumbing, VT Painting, Wood Machinery, Wood Assembly, Industrial Cleaning, Gardening, Recycling, Welding, Forklift Truck Driving, In-House Services, Catering, Laundry, Library, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP & YOI Cornton Vale: Laundry, Hairdressing, Catering, Craft Shop, Bicycle Repair, Industrial Cleaning, Gardening, Pantry, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP Dumfries: Gardening, Catering, Laundry, VT Industrial Cleaning, VT Joiners, Waste Management, Cleaning, Fork Lift Truck Driving, Tea packing, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP Edinburgh: Waste Management, Tiling, Mono-blocking, Bricklaying, Gardening, Forklift Truck Driving, Joinery, Painting, Woodcraft, Electricians, Plumbers, Industrial Cleaning, Life Skills, Restart, Induction, PC Passport, Laundry, Labels, General Purpose work part, Hobbies, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP Glenochil: Timber Assembly, VT Industrial Cleaners, VT Paint & Decorating, Metal Fabrication, Speedy Hire Service Centre, VT Hairdressing, Laundry, Laminating, Grounds/Gardens, Recycling, NPA Carpentry & Joinery, Kitchen, "Internal service" jobs, Full-Time Education.

  HMP Greenock: Laundry, Industrial Cleaning, VT Painting & Decorating, Hairdressing, Wood Assembly, Wood Machining, VT Construction, Catering, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP Inverness: Catering, Industrial Cleaning, Recycling, Laundry, Gardening, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP Kilmarnock: Recycling, Textiles, Painting, Gardening, Laundry, VT Cleaning, VT Environmental, "Internal service" jobs.

  Open Estate: Catering, Forestry, Grounds & Gardening, Industrial Cleaning, Waste Management, Laundry, Public Reception, Library, Prisoners Canteen, Community Work Placements, Community Project Team, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP Perth: VT Bricklayers, VT Painters, VT Plumbers, VT Hairdressers, Catering, Textiles, Laundry, Packaging, Wood Assembly, Wood Machine, Industrial Cleaning, VT Industrial Cleaning, Waste & Recycling, Gardening, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP Peterhead: VT Joiners, VT Bricklayers, VT Horticulture, Production Joiners, Recycle, Industrial Cleaning, Textiles, Laundry, Catering, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMYOI Polmont: VT Plumbers, VT Bricklaying, VT Joiners, VT Painters, VT IT Skills, VT Hairdressers, VT Forklift, VT Engineering, Industrial Cleaning, Packing, Personal & Social Development, Gardens, Independent Living, Catering, Laundry, "Internal service" jobs.

  HMP Shotts: Wood Assembly, Wood Machining, Crafts Workshop, Recycling/Environmental, Forklift Training, Catering/Kitchen, Laundry, Garden, Outside Work Placements, Charity Work, VT Cleaning, Textiles, Engineering, Occupational Party, Ceramic Crafts, "Internal service" jobs.

  "Internal service" jobs cover general assistance in a particular area of the prison, including cleaning.

Prison Service

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners serving sentences of (a) less than six months, (b) six months to two years and (c) over two years has taken part in prison work programmes in each of the last three years.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  All convicted prisoners are required by law to work. Participation may be limited by incapacity or unavailability of work places. Detailed information in the form required is not routinely recorded.

Prison Service

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners serving sentences of (a) less than six months, (b) six months to two years and (c) over two years has taken part in prison education programmes in each of the last three years.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  The Scottish Prison Service does not record the information requested in this way. However, based on the average monthly number of prisoners engaged with the prison learning centres, around 29%, 29% and 33% of all prisoners have taken part in prison education programmes in each of the last three years.

Prison Service

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have taken part in work programmes in prison in each of the last three years.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  All convicted prisoners are required by law to work. Participation may be limited by incapacity or unavailability of work places. Detailed information is not routinely recorded.

Scottish Government Agencies

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what total labour cost was incurred by Skills Development Scotland through removing staff from their regular employment for the duration of the Shaping our Future roadshows.

Keith Brown: Staffing is an operational matter for SDS. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to you with this information.

Scottish Government Agencies

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what total cost was incurred for materials for the Skills Development Scotland Shaping our Future roadshows.

Keith Brown: Procurement is an operational matter for SDS. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to you with this information.

Scottish Government Agencies

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what total cost was incurred for venue hire for the Skills Development Scotland Shaping our Future roadshows.

Keith Brown: Procurement is an operational matter for SDS. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to you with this information.

Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body

Scottish Parliament Staff

Jackson Carlaw (West of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how many transport-related fines it has settled on behalf of its staff and at what cost in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year since 2007.

Tom McCabe (on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body): : No costs have been reimbursed to cover transport related fines since 2007. All SPCB staff are required to pay for their own transport related fines.